Minister of Health
The Gambia registered 71 new cases of the Coronavirus pushing total confirmed cases to 4, 090, according to the 257th report courtesy of the Ministry of Health.
The Epidemiology and Disease Control Unit of the ministry, the custodian of the report stated in the document that 699 laboratory test results were received, 78 from Medical Research Council [MRC], and 621 from National Public Health Laboratory [NPHL]. Of this (699 case), 38 were registered on the 27th, and 33 on the 28th of January, respectively.
As per the report, The Gambia now has 167 active cases; 128 deaths; 18 people in quarantine; total 3, 792 recoveries, and a total confirmed cases of 4, 090, since it registered its maiden case in March 2020.
The situation of the virus in the country is increasing, with the commencement of a second and confirmation of 2 new Variant from the United Kingdom.
In a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19, health authorities advised the public to abide by guidelines put in place by the World Health Organisation [W.H.O]. These are: use of proper face mask; stop attending public gatherings; observe social distancing; practice regular hand washing with soap or detergent with clean water or use a hand gel or sanitation, among others.
Sadly, the W.H.O’s recommendation which discourages public gatherings is not yet being heed to by Adama Barrow, the president, as he is set to launch his new political party this afternoon, where thousands of people are expected to gather.
Besides, the president last month embarked a month ‘Meet The People Tour’ across the country, which pulled thousands of people mostly without face mask; and did not observe social distancing. The Minister of Health also took part in the tour.